A gun may be defined as " a weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are propelled by explosive force, typically making a characteristic loud, sharp noise."
Synonyms: firearm, weapon

Within South Africa, there are a total of 3 400 000 privately owned firearms, ranking South Africa 50 in 178 countries with respect to privately owned firearms (gunpolicy.org). This means that for every 100 people in South Africa, there are roughly 6.94 firearms. The amount of unlawfully owned firearms is estimated to be between 500 000 and 4 000 000, a statistic which cannot be confirmed.

Current statistic show that the private ownership of handguns has decreased (accredited to stricter gun laws 2000), and yet we still see episodes of gun related violence. The most recent cases of gun related violence to be publicized have been that of Oscar Pistorious and more recently, Senzo Meyiwa. Both cases help to highlight the fatal nature of these weapons when held in the wrong hands and used under the wrong circumstances.

Effects of Gun Violence on Children and Youth

"Exposure to gun violence can traumatize children and youth not just physically, but emotionally as well. Studies have documented that young people exposed to gun violence experience lasting emotional scars. Some children may develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect brain development. The psychological trauma of gun violence may lead some children to arm themselves "for protection," or desensitize them so that they feel less hesitation about engaging in violent acts."

- Mitigating the Effects of Gun Violence on Children and Youth. Children, Youth and Gun Violence. 2002.12:2

Effects of gun violence on women:46 Number of American women shot to death each month by current or former intimate partners.

500%A woman is this much more likely to be killed in a domestic violence situation where a gun is present.

44% Proportion of women murdered with guns who were killed by current or former intimate partners (in 2011).

The Key provisions of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (SA).The Firearms Control Bill was approved by Parliament on 12 October 2000 and signed into law on 13 April 2001. The new legislation – the Firearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA) – was the product of many years of lobbying and struggle and can be regarded as a major victory for those individuals and organisations that have battled for greater gun control. Key provisions include:

An increase in the age limit for gun ownership from 16 to 21 years.

A limit on the number of firearms for self defense to one handgun or shotgun.

Introduction of competency certificates.

Provision for the declaration of firearm free zones, for instance at schools.

Introduction of a more efficient system of regulation, which includes regular licence renewal.

Increased allocation of resources to law enforcement agencies, such as creating the position of Designated Firearms Officers, who oversee the implementation of the law at a local level.